John Yates – birth, Nov 21, 1837

“Faith Is the Victory”   (stanza 1) 

 

Encamped along the hills of light,
Ye Christian soldiers, rise.
And press the battle ere the night
Shall veil the glowing skies.
Against the foe in vales below
Let all our strength be hurled.
Faith is the victory, we know,
That overcomes the world.

 

John Henry Yates was born this date in Batavia, NY.  Yates was a shoe salesman and later a hardware store manager.  Eventually he became a Baptist minister who was influenced by Ira D. Sankey.  Yates also penned “The Harbor Bell” “The Model Church” and “The Old Book Stands.”

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Gipsy Smith – converted to Christ, Nov. 17, 1876

“Jesus, Revealed in Me” (stanza 2)

 

Here Lord I bring my heart,

My love, my strength, my will;

Cleanse me in every part,

With all Thy Spirit fill.

 

Written by Rodney Simon “Gipsy” Smith.  Gipsy (also spelled “Gypsy”) Smith was born in a gipsy tent near London, England in 1860; he was “born again” (John 3.3) this date in 1876.  Smith worked with the Salvation Army (had high regard for William Booth), with the Methodist, and evangelised among several other groups.  He made five preaching trips to America as well as preaching in Australia.

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